Organic specialist Bio Campojoyma has become the first company in Almería to grow and market organic kumquat.
The company carried out its first exports this season, and is current shipping around 10 tonnes a week, mainly to the German market.
According to founder and manager Francisco Jesús Montoya, kumquats adapt well to the local growing conditions.
Bio Campojoyma cultivates the fruit on a 3ha plot at its farm in Los Gallardos using biodynamic organic farming methods that respect the natural balance of the environment.
The kumquat harvest runs from November to June, with greater flowering during the winter months.
“Kumquats require a lot of labour, so their cultivation generates a lot of work for the local population,” Montoya said.
“We are a young company, created in 2004, and since the very beginning we’ve been focused on sustainability and innovation. For this reason, we think of varieties where we can differentiate ourselves such as organic citrus and now kumquat.”
Kumquat is a small citrus fruit, with a sweet flavour and an edible skin. It is widely used to make jams, candied fruit and pastries but can also be added to salads or eaten as a snack.
It is rich in flavonoids, vitamin C and fibre, and its high folic acid content makes it ideal for pregnant women.
